Efrain Rivera Matos, Fentanyl Conspiracy, Florida 2022

A Tampa man has been sentenced to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for his role in a fentanyl conspiracy case. Efrain Rivera Matos, 45, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl charges on December 8, 2023.

According to court documents, Rivera Matos conspired to ship approximately 560 grams of pressed fentanyl pills to Tampa on July 27, 2022. He also conspired with others to distribute a parcel containing two kilograms of fentanyl powder that was concealed within an air fryer on August 31, 2022.

Co-conspirators distributed fentanyl from a gas station car wash in Tampa, Florida. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Tampa Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.

OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Rivera Matos' sentence of 12 years and 7 months in federal prison is a significant blow to the fentanyl trafficking ring that operated in Tampa. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the opioid epidemic and disrupt the supply of deadly fentanyl.

The defendant, Efrain Rivera Matos, will serve his sentence at a federal prison facility. The exact location of the facility has not been disclosed due to security reasons.

Defendant: Efrain Rivera Matos

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl

City and State: Tampa, Florida

Exact Date: July 27, 2022 (crime date), December 8, 2023 (sentencing date)

Sentence: 12 years and 7 months in federal prison

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/tampa-man-sentenced-more-12-years-fentanyl-conspiracy